Alternative Fuel Transportation Program; Biodiesel Fuel Use Credit

The Department of Energy (DOE) is today publishing an interim final rule required by the Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 (ECRA), which amended Title III of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) to allow fleets that are required to purchase alternative fueled vehicles under Titles III, IV and V of EPACT to meet these requirements, in part, through the use of biodiesel fuel use credits. The rule establishes procedures for fleets and covered persons to request credits for specified biodiesel fuel use and implements ECRA's credit eligibility and allocation provisions. By publishing this rule, DOE is giving fleets and covered persons, who are otherwise required under EPACT to purchase an alternative fueled vehicle, the option of purchasing and using 450 gallons of biodiesel in vehicles in excess of 8,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight instead of acquiring an alternative fueled vehicle.